Broncos Axe Kevin Walters After Shock Mid-Season Collapse – Club Legend Steps Down Amid Turmoil
The Brisbane Broncos have parted ways with head coach Kevin Walters after a disappointing 2024 season saw the team slide to 12th on the NRL ladder, despite being pre-season favorites. The decision, which ended months of speculation, was officially communicated to Walters on Thursday, concluding his four-year stint as head coach of the Broncos.
Later that evening, the club released a statement confirming that Walters had decided to step down. In his statement, Walters acknowledged the heavy toll that NRL coaching takes on both the coach and their family, stating that it was time for him to prioritize spending quality time with his loved ones. “Coaching in the NRL takes a toll, not just on the coach but also their family – it’s time for me to step away and spend some quality time with my loved ones, who have supported me all the way,” he said.
Despite the disappointing 2024 campaign, Walters expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team and reflected on how far the Broncos had come since finishing with the wooden spoon. Last season, the Broncos made a remarkable run to the NRL Grand Final, only narrowly missing out on a premiership.
Broncos chairman Karl Morris confirmed the sacking earlier in the day and expressed his sadness over the decision. “We feel deeply for Kev. He will always be a respected guy and a legend of the Broncos and he will always be treated that way,” Morris told News Corp. He acknowledged the immense pressure of coaching the Broncos, but also praised Walters for his dedication and love for the club.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy echoed these sentiments, stating the club owed Walters “a debt of gratitude” for his efforts in restoring pride to the Broncos. Donaghy praised Walters’ infectious passion and commitment, which helped lift the club out of a dark period after the team’s dismal performance in 2020.
Walters, a club legend with six premierships as a player, coached the Broncos for 99 games, winning 50. However, he only made the finals once during his four-year tenure,